Adderall is a prescription medication composed of mixed salts of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant primarily used to manage symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The active ingredients increase focus and reduce impulsivity. Understanding the physical appearance of the 10 mg immediate-release (IR) generic tablet is important for safety and proper identification.
Physical Characteristics of Generic Adderall 10 mg
While the appearance is dictated by the manufacturer, generic 10 mg amphetamine/dextroamphetamine tablets share common characteristics. The most typical form is a small, round tablet, often light blue. This blue color frequently helps distinguish the 10 mg strength from other dosages.
The most reliable feature for identifying any pill is the imprint code, which consists of unique letters and numbers stamped onto the surface. For example, a 10 mg generic version produced by Teva Pharmaceuticals is typically blue and round with the marking “dp 10” or “dp 1 0.” Another common generic version, manufactured by Mallinckrodt, may be a white, square-shaped tablet with the imprint “M 10.”
Many immediate-release tablets, including the 10 mg strength, feature a score line—a groove bisecting the tablet. This score line indicates the tablet is designed to be split into two equal 5 mg halves if instructed by a prescriber. These tablets are generally small, aiding in ease of swallowing; the Teva version, for instance, measures approximately 9 millimeters.
Why Generic Appearance Varies
Patients may notice that their 10 mg tablets look different when they receive a refill or switch pharmacies, which is a normal result of the generic drug market. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires all generic medications to contain the identical active ingredients, strength, and dosage form as the brand-name equivalent. Therefore, the therapeutic effect is the same regardless of the manufacturer.
The FDA permits generic manufacturers to use different inactive ingredients, which are the substances that make up the bulk of the pill. These inactive components include binders, fillers, dyes, and flavoring agents. Differences in these substances cause variations in a tablet’s size, shape, color, and taste between manufacturers.
Multiple pharmaceutical companies produce generic versions, such as Teva, Sandoz, and Mallinckrodt, and each selects its own combination of inactive ingredients. This accounts for the differences in color, shape, and imprint between generic 10 mg tablets. The only requirement is that the finished product meets quality and performance standards, including bioequivalence to the original brand-name drug.
Verifying Your Medication and Imprint Codes
Given the visual variation in generic drugs, the imprint code is the most reliable way to confirm your medication. This unique alphanumeric code is assigned to a specific drug, dosage, and manufacturer, acting as a digital fingerprint. Use this code alongside the pill’s color and shape to confirm its identity.
To verify a tablet, you can use the imprint code in conjunction with online pill identifier tools or official drug databases, such as those maintained by the FDA. By entering the code, color, and shape, the database should return a match that confirms the drug is 10 mg amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, along with the name of the manufacturer. This process is a simple, actionable step toward ensuring patient safety.
If a tablet’s appearance is significantly different from what is expected, or if the imprint code does not yield a clear match in a reliable database, it is important to contact a pharmacist immediately. This precaution is advised because of the rising concern about counterfeit medications, which may look similar to prescription drugs but contain unknown or dangerous substances. Consulting a pharmacist is the quickest way to resolve any uncertainty about the identity of your medication before consumption.